Scenic Train in St Kitts is an "exhilarating experience"

The Scenic Railway Train in St Kitts

Wednesday, November 12, 2003

BASSETERRE, St Kitts: The Scenic Railway Train in St Kitts is "one of the most exhilarating experiences in the Caribbean" says the Toronto Star 

Several weeks after the Scenic Railway Train and St. Kitts were featured in a leading British newspaper, the Sunday Mail, one of Canada's leading publication is describing the sugar train "as a real treat for those who want to see what St. Kitts has to offer." 

Vian Ewart, writing in Canada's Toronto Star notes that the St. Kitts Sugar Train, which takes visitors on a stunning scenic railway journey around the island, is "one of the most exhilarating experiences in the Caribbean." 

Ewart penned that the trip is not only a one-of-a-kind scenic wonder traveling over 23 bridges, "it's the best way to get to know the island's fascinating history." 

He described Brimstone Hill, as "one of the finest surviving examples of colonial fortifications in the Caribbean and designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000." 

"Besides the stunning view from the top, there are original cannons, the artillery officers' quarters, restored barrack rooms surrounding a central courtyard, a restored kitchen, stairs down to the officers' privy and rain water drains into a cistern beneath the stone floor that can hold 136,380 liters. There are artifacts, paintings and other objects on display showing the hard life of a soldier during the 17th and 18th century. Now the area is a popular location for outdoor parties and receptions," wrote Ewart. 

Mr. Ewart described Mt. Liamuiga, as "breathtaking," the rainforest trek into the Atlantic coastal rainforest, as an exciting cross-country drive via an off the beaten track through swaying fields of sugar cane, friendly country villages, old sugar plantation yards and lushly forested valleys before arriving at the rainforest edge, 396 meters above sea level. 

"The hike is along looped trails taking you through jungle-like terrain with giant trees and tropical plants reaching for the sky. One moment it seems you're in a hothouse, the next cool green chambers. You discover a valley of trees laden with vines and areas of rare beauty and tranquility that remain pest-free year round. There is a spring-fed waterfall, troops of green monkeys, giant blue pigeons, three different types of hummingbirds and huge river crayfish, among many other things. A delicious island picnic of exotic fruits, homemade juices and coconut pastries is usually provided," wrote Ewart, who is based in Florida. 

Romney Manor, the oldest sugar plantation manor house on the island that is now the home of the famous line of batik garments called Caribelle Batik was highlighted. 

"The manor boasts beautiful layered botanical gardens, plantation ruins and a 350-year-old Saman Tree, considered one of the oldest in the Caribbean and in whose shade many a couple have exchanged their wedding vows," said Ewart. 

He recommended Rawlins Plantation and Ottley's Plantation as "must-see inns built on 17th-century plantation ruins." 

Ottley's Plantation has been nominated by hotel guide Condé Nast Johansens as 2003's Most Outstanding Inn, North American and the Caribbean. Dinner is the meal not to miss here; the plantation is also a favourite site for weddings. 

He also recommended visits to some 200-year-old privately-owned Great Houses not normally open to the public such as the Shadwell Great House, a private plantation; the old sugar cane windmill at Whites Estate that gives a fascinating look at the colonial time's "King Sugar" and another private sugar plantation called Lodge Estate. 

  Back...

  Most popular articles: viewed, printed and e-mailed

  Printable version